Rate My Professor Jemma Dessauvagie

Dr Jemma Dessauvagie is a Lecturer in the Curtin School of Population Health within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. As a registered psychologist and board-approved supervisor, she contributes significantly to the education and training of psychology students. Her academic background includes a PhD in Psychology, a Master of Psychology (Professional), and a Bachelor of Psychology. Her doctoral research, detailed in the thesis titled 'Playing the game: An exploration of the lived experience of elite water polo athletes,' examines the psychological realities faced by high-level athletes. This work is informed by her own history as an ex-elite athlete in women's water polo, where she represented Australia, including participation in international competitions such as the 2009 World Championships, and held scholarships with the Western Australian Institute of Sport.

In her teaching role, Dr Dessauvagie coordinates and delivers key units including PSYC1002 Science and Professional Practice in Psychology, BEHV2000 Psychological Science Experimental Methods, BIOL1002 Brain and Behaviour, and PSYC2001 Social Psychology: Exploring the Influence of Social Context. Her areas of focus encompass research methods, adult developmental psychology, experimental methods in psychological science, and professional practice standards. She has earned recognition for her teaching excellence through the Outstanding Tutor Award in 2022. Dr Dessauvagie also supports the Master of Psychology (Professional) program, providing supervision to provisional psychologists and contributing to clinical training. Her dual roles in academia and clinical practice, including positions at St John of God Midland Public Hospital and her private practice JBD Psychology, enhance her impact on mental health services, particularly for athletes, adolescents, adults, and children experiencing various psychological challenges. Consultations are available by appointment.